Tata Harrier, Safari Diesel SUVs To Finally Get A Big Power And Torque Boost

Tata Motors has secured a pivotal deal that reshapes its diesel strategy, acquiring full licensing rights from Stellantis to independently develop and modify Fiat’s 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine. This move liberates Tata from costly dependencies, enabling it to compete more effectively against rivals like Mahindra, adapt to stringent emission norms, and innovate with hybrid technologies. The decision marks a strategic shift toward self-reliance in engine development, allowing Tata to tailor the powertrain for Indian market demands without external constraints.

Breaking Free from Costly Constraints

For years, Tata faced significant hurdles in optimizing the Fiat-sourced engine powering its Harrier and Safari SUVs. Even minor modifications, such as recalibrating the engine control unit (ECU) for better performance, required approvals from Stellantis and incurred exorbitant fees.

A simple ECU remap reportedly cost €10 million, stifling Tata’s ability to respond swiftly to market needs or differentiate its vehicles. The financial and procedural bottlenecks meant Tata could not match the agility of competitors like Mahindra, which leverages its in-house 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine to offer multiple power tunes across models.

The new licensing agreement, finalized in early 2025, eliminates these barriers. Tata now holds exclusive rights to modify and enhance the 2.0-litre Multijet engine without seeking external approvals or paying additional royalties.

While Stellantis retains intellectual property over the base engine design, Tata owns all improvements it develops. This autonomy is critical as the automaker prepares for stricter emission standards and evolving consumer expectations.

Closing the Performance Gap with Mahindra

Mahindra’s homegrown 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine has long given it an edge in the premium SUV segment. The engine delivers 450 Nm of torque in the XUV700, paired with the same Aisin six-speed automatic transmission used in Tata’s Safari and Harrier.

However, Tata’s SUVs have been limited to 350 Nm due to reliance on Stellantis’ engine mappings. The performance disparity has influenced buyer preferences, with the XUV700 often praised for its stronger acceleration and towing capacity.

With full control over the Multijet’s development, Tata can now bridge this gap. The company aims to boost the engine’s output to 180 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque for upcoming facelifts of the Harrier and Safari.

Such upgrades were previously delayed by the need for Stellantis’ approval, but Tata can now implement them independently. This flexibility extends to refining the engine’s noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics, ensuring smoother operation tailored to Indian driving conditions and fuel quality.

Preparing for BS7 Emission Norms

The timing of Tata’s licensing breakthrough aligns with India’s impending BS7 emission standards, expected by 2026. These norms will demand a 30% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines, bringing them in line with petrol engines at 60 mg/km.

Compliance will require advanced technologies such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), diesel particulate filters (DPF), and real-time onboard diagnostics. Industry estimates suggest these additions could raise vehicle costs by ₹1.8–2.5 lakh, posing a challenge for price-sensitive markets.

Tata’s newfound control over the Multijet engine allows it to integrate these technologies more efficiently. Unlike before, the company can optimize emission systems specifically for Indian fuel quality and driving cycles without waiting for Stellantis’ input. This agility is crucial as automakers balance regulatory compliance with affordability, particularly in the diesel-dependent SUV segment.

Hybridization and Future-Proofing

Beyond emission compliance, Tata’s independence opens doors to hybridizing the Multijet engine. Mild-hybrid systems, which pair a small electric motor with the diesel engine, can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15% while enhancing low-end torque.

Toyota’s Fortuner, for instance, uses a similar setup to meet stricter global norms. Tata could explore 48-volt hybrid configurations or even plug-in hybrids, ensuring the Multijet remains relevant as electrification gains momentum.

The ability to experiment with hybrid architectures without external restrictions positions Tata to address both environmental concerns and consumer demand for performance. Hybridization also mitigates the cost impact of emission technologies, as improved efficiency can offset higher upfront prices.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Tata’s transition to independent engine development benefits from its established manufacturing infrastructure. The company has produced Fiat engines at the Ranjangaon plant since 2006, including the iconic 1.3-litre Multijet that powered vehicles like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Tata Zest. While the smaller engine was phased out due to BS6 compliance costs, the 2.0-litre Multijet continues this legacy in premium SUVs.

The Ranjangaon facility, with an annual capacity of 300,000 engines, provides a ready foundation for scaling modifications. Tata’s familiarity with Fiat’s engineering principles ensures a smooth transition to in-house development, minimizing downtime or quality risks. This continuity is vital as the company aims to roll out upgraded engines within the next 18 months.

Strategic Implications for the Indian Market

Tata’s breakthrough reflects a broader shift toward self-reliance in India’s automotive sector. Mahindra’s success with the mHawk engine demonstrated the advantages of homegrown powertrains, enabling rapid iterations and cost control. By emulating this model, Tata can reduce import dependencies, accelerate innovation cycles, and tailor engines to local preferences.

The move also strengthens Tata’s position in the diesel SUV segment, which remains critical despite the rise of electric vehicles. Diesel engines account for nearly 50% of sales in the ₹15–30 lakh SUV category, prized for their torque and durability. With rivals like Hyundai and Kia also investing in cleaner diesel technologies, Tata’s enhanced capabilities ensure it remains competitive in this lucrative space.